As in past years (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top tech. The list contains my favorite things from the last year, even if they were available in prior years. By "tech" I am basically including any new toys, apps, etc... that I find cool and/or useful.
Note: I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page. Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).
My Favorite of the Year
Denon X3700H Receiver - This is an amazing receiver, especially at the price. It has very good measurements, sounds fantastic using my pair of Emotiva amps in Denon’s special “ preamp” mode, has Alexa and Siri capabilities, and is 8k ready! A receiver ready for the future! I discuss it in more detail here.
For the Home Theater Video Nut
Orei Ethernet to HDMI - this is probably going to have limited appeal for many readers, but it was a real game changer around here. What it does is connect to HDMI out on a receiver and allow you to send that signal to other parts of the home via Ethernet, which is much is easier to route through walls than HDMI. This allowed me to easily connect a projector in my living room. I still need an electric projector screen to automate it all, but we have watched more movies on the 100 inch screen this year than all the years combined that I have had a projector available.
For the Photographer
Viltrox 85mm - I was a little skeptical when I got the opportunity to review this lens. It was much cheaper than Sony lenses and I had never heard of the company. However, I could not have been happier with the results. Below are a couple pics I took with it, just for example.
Apple Nut
iPhone 12 Pro Max - I updated from a 7 plus ( which I loved) and this seems to be the phone with the most future proofing. The screen, cameras, and speed are amazing. I financed it for 30 months to keep my payments down, so it had to have some future proofing to make it worthwhile. Let’s see how I feel in two years! Lol. Would normally be my product if the year with the major upgrade from my old iPhone, but the x3700 was compelling enough to take the top spot, especially with us spending so much time using the home theater in this Covid wrecked environment.
The Outdoor Cook
Weber gas grill S315- my old Weber gas grill fell apart after many years of use. We updated to a new version of the classic and it works great. While Weber isn’t the cheapest brand, it is a brand I trust to get great results and last for years.
The Nostalgic tech geek
TiVoo Max - I got the opportunity to review this Bluetooth speaker, pixel art, clock and it definitely reminded me of something in my youth. Maybe the old pac man games or playing Lite Bright with friends. Anyway, it is so fun to use, the speaker is very good for what it is, and it even works great as a clock. It is just a really fun, but purposeful, toy.
Digital Loving Audiophile
Qobuz - I still use Apple Music for convenience, but when the price of hi-resolution and lossless audio came down, I got on board (thanks to Amazon for shaking up this industry). Since I am home so often, it is nice to use this service with its extraordinary sound quality. I have mentioned Tidal on here before, but they use an unnecessary MQA format rather than just sending audio over an uncompressed file. The plug in for Audirvana has been a dream to use, as well.
Note: I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website. Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).
Note: I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website. Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).
Analog Loving Audiophile
Marantz TT15 - while it should be obvious that I love music, I don’t listen to a ton of vinyl. Maybe that was my budget turntable’s fault? Who knows, but my current turntable stopped working, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I debated a long time about how much to spend, but I figured this will be my last turntable, so I splurged a bit on it. This seems to be the best combination of engineering, bank for the buck, and good looks. All in all, it makes for a very nice setup. I paired it with a nicely engineered Cambridge Phono Amp.
Of course, I had a little fun with it by placing an LED under the acrylic platter. Is there anything better than listening to Kind of Blue in a room where the only light is coming from the Bluely lit turntable? LOL
Mellowing Out
Brewista Kettle - another elegant kitchen device that is both purposeful and beautiful. We love having a cup of tea after dinner and this is quick to heat up water with one button push. It feels elegant in the hand and it’s spout makes it easy to pour.
Soothing Massage
Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion 20 - I seem to be sitting longer and working more now that I currently don’t have the commute to work. As a result, muscle tightness has started to be an issue. This multi-speed device with multiple massaging head options can help loosen up the tightest muscles.
Videophiles only
Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player with HDR10 - when you start using a faux K projector with HDR, you really want to have some way of taking advantage of that quality. This machine does that in spades without costing a fortune. It does have streaming built in for some services, but I use it only for playing back discs....which is where it excels.
On the Go
Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds - I got a lot of "on-the-go" stuff this year (the Lacie Rugged SSD, small mechanical keyboards, and other stuff for my iPad), but this is the only device I used enough to put it on the list. These are truly wireless, sound spacious, EQ can be changed with the app, and they can be used with two devices without fiddling with settings. Very nice set of earbuds I have used most of the year. I will link the version I have, but there is a new version out that looks interesting, as well.
Another year over...
So, another year (is almost) behind us (as of this writing). I am looking forward to 2021 with the vaccines being on the market and hopefully returning to normal life...though, I much prefer working from home.
I think when we can get out, more money will go toward outside the home entertainment since cabin fever has take over. There are a few things I already have coming before the end of the year that I plan on reviewing, but if they are worthy, they will go on the 2021 list. Have a great new year!
I think when we can get out, more money will go toward outside the home entertainment since cabin fever has take over. There are a few things I already have coming before the end of the year that I plan on reviewing, but if they are worthy, they will go on the 2021 list. Have a great new year!
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